Uk Advisory Committee On Business Appointments

Bernadette Kelly - Advice on Non-Executive Director and University Appointments

ACOBA issued advice to Dame Bernadette Kelly, former Permanent Secretary at the Department for Transport, regarding two proposed post-Civil Service appointments. The Committee approved her appointment as Non-Executive Director at the Youth Futures Foundation (advice sent October 2025) and as Independent Member of the Council and Finance and General Purposes Committee at the University of Warwick (advice sent September 2025), both subject to standard conditions.

Sarah Harrison, Chief Operating Officer, Cabinet Office - ACOBA Advice: Building Societies Association Appointment

The UK Advisory Committee on Business Appointments published advice to Sarah Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at the Cabinet Office, regarding her proposed appointment as Chief Executive of the Building Societies Association. The Committee issued its advice letter in September 2025, with the appointment announced later that month. Harrison is due to leave Crown service in November 2025.

ACOBA Evidence to PACAC on Propriety, Ethics and Wider Standards Landscape

ACOBA submitted evidence to the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) in response to its inquiry on 'Propriety, ethics and the wider standards landscape in the UK'. The submission includes facts and figures and addresses ACOBA's closure and its role within the broader ethical standards framework for business appointments after leaving government service.

Boris Johnson Post-Government Appointments, Multiple Rule Breaches

ACOBA reported multiple breaches of the Business Appointment Rules by Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The breaches involve unpaid roles with Better Earth Ltd and paid positions with BIA Advisory and Merlyn Advisors Ltd. The Committee issued breach notifications to both Johnson and the Cabinet Office regarding these appointments made after leaving Crown service.

ACOBA Closure: New Business Appointments Process Effective 13 October 2025

The UK Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (ACOBA) ceased operations on 13 October 2025. Its functions have been transferred to successor bodies: former ministers must now contact the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards, while Crown servants at director general level and above should apply through their department's HR to the Civil Service Commission. Pending cases will be handled by the relevant successor body.